Thu Nov 27 10:11am ET
Field Level Media
Two defenses coming off impressive performances set their targets on history-defying young quarterbacks when the San Francisco 49ers visit the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon.
Brock Purdy will be looking for a third consecutive victory, while Shedeur Sanders will be seeking to deliver the Browns their first winning streak of the season when the former low-round draft choices go head-to-head for the first time.
The start will be the 41st for Purdy, the 262nd and final pick of the 2022 draft. He already ranks fourth all-time in touchdown passes among seventh-round picks with 72. That is 71 more than Sanders, the rookie fifth-rounder who notched his first last Sunday in a 24-10 road win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
San Francisco defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is impressed with Sanders, Cleveland's third different starting QB this season.
"You could tell how important it is to him and how much work he's going to put into it," Saleh said. "A guy who's as good as gifted as he is, both physically and mentally, and with the confidence he has, you just know he's going to get better."
Purdy suffered his first career defeat as a starter after 10 straight wins bridging his rookie and second seasons when he was sacked three times and intercepted once in the 49ers' most recent trip to Cleveland, a 19-17 loss in Week 6 of the 2023 campaign.
Now 25 and in his fourth NFL season, he was able to overcome three interceptions when the 49ers (8-4) rode a stingy defense to a 20-9 home win over the Carolina Panthers on Monday night. Purdy was not sacked in the game.
Six days later, he'll have to deal with one of the top defenses in the league. Having held the Raiders to 268 total yards while sacking Geno Smith 10 times, the Browns (3-8) entered the week ranked second in the NFL in yards allowed (273.0) and sacks (42.0).
Myles Garrett was credited with three of the sacks and also forced two fumbles. He had six hits on Smith in all.
"He's the best in the league," Purdy assured reporters this week. "I can't be holding onto the ball too long."
Having recorded four sacks on Baltimore's Lamar Jackson in Week 11, Garrett will be attempting to become the first in the NFL since 1982 (when the stat was first recorded) to register three or more sacks in three straight games.
The San Francisco defense dominated Monday's win over the Panthers. Led by Bryce Huff, who helped pressure Bryce Young into a 169-yard performance, and Ji'Ayir Brown, who intercepted Young twice, the 49ers held an opponent to under 10 points for the first time since a 34-3 win at Jacksonville in November of 2023.
They'll take aim this week at Sanders, who earned a second start after throwing for 209 yards and just one interception against the Raiders.
The son of former 49ers star Deion Sanders expects better of himself this week.
"I'm never comfortable in a situation I'm in," the 23-year-old said. "I always want to exceed expectations, and I always want to grow in each and every week."
The matchup of Purdy and Sanders is the first this season between quarterbacks taken in the fifth round or later.
The 49ers watched the New Orleans Saints' Spencer Rattler, a fifth-round pick in 2024, burn them for three TD passes in Week 2, but that was against former first-rounder Mac Jones, who was subbing for an injured Purdy.
San Francisco will turn to Matt Gay at kicker for the second straight game as Eddy Pineiro was once again ruled out with a right hamstring injury. The 49ers also listed defensive end Sam Okuayinonu (ankle) and linebacker Tatum Bethune (ankle) as out.
The Browns won't have tight end Brenden Bates (ankle), defensive end Alex Wright (quadricep) or defensive tackle Adin Huntington (quadricep). Running back Jerome Ford (hamstring) is questionable.
Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 13
New Orleans Saints running back Audric Estime figures to have a larger role in the offense for the upcoming Week 13 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. The Saints are going to be without lead back Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) for at least one game. That means, Devin Neal will take over as the lead back. However, Estime, Evan Hull, and Taysom Hill could see a role as well. Estime was signed to the active roster a few weeks ago, but has been mainly a depth option. The 22-year-old is still young enough to re-establish his value with his new team. Estime won't be worth starting this weekend, but could be someone worth stashing in dynasty formats.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney is set to be the team's No. 1 wideout again with Drake London (knee) having been ruled out for the second consecutive week. Kirk Cousins only attempted 23 passes in Week 12 and spread the ball around to seven different receivers, so Mooney was limited to just three targets, however, he converted all three for catches and tallied 74 yards with a touchdown. In what is expected to be a low-scoring affair on Sunday, there may not be a lot of passing again, which will dampen the veteran's outlook. The Jets are also middle of the pack against the pass this season in terms of fantasy points allowed and are a bit more generous against the run, so it all leaves the 28-year-old as a mid-range WR3 for Sunday's tilt with New York.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill has seen his role in the offense expanded over the last few games. Last week, Hill saw a season-high 10 rushing attempts in the loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Sadly, Hill didn't have much success as he finished with 17 yards for a lousy 1.7 yards per carry. The expectation is that Hill is going to see a larger role again in Week 13 with Alvin Kamara (ankle, knee) ruled out. Devin Neal will take over as the lead back, but Hill should see chances as well. It wouldn't be shocking to see Hill having double digit carries again, but his lack of success this season is a concern. Fantasy managers shouldn't trust him as anything more than a touchdown-dependent option for the upcoming matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele has seen increased opportunities in the passing game over the last few games. Over the last four games, Vele has seen 15 targets, but has only managed to haul in five receptions. None of the Saints offensive players outside of Chris Olave (back) and Juwan Johnson have experienced much success this season. Currently, Olave is questionable for the Week 13 matchup against the Miami Dolphins due to a back injury. His absence from this contest is the only way for Vele to be worth a look as a starting option in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (back) is officially listed as questionable ahead of the Week 13 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Olave was held out of practice completely on Thursday before getting in a limited session on Friday. When healthy, Olave is a must-start in fantasy leagues as the top option on this offense. Through 11 games, Olave has hauled in 69 receptions for 734 yards and four touchdowns this season. The change at quarterback hasn't impacted his fantasy value at all. He should be plugged in as a WR1 for this weekend, assuming he's able to play. Otherwise, Devaughn Vele, Mason Tipton, and Juwan Johnson would see increased volume.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson has quietly put together a strong campaign in 2025. Over the last five games, Johnson has finished with 46 receiving yards or more in four of them. During that span, Johnson has also hauled in 23 receptions with two touchdowns. The 29-year-old has been a solid second option in the passing game behind Chris Olave. Given his consistent success, Johnson figures to remain a focal point in this passing game. He should continue to succeed against a suspect Miami Dolphins defense in Week 13. Fantasy managers should be able to plug in Johnson as a TE1 for this weekend.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal won't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game after dealing with an ankle injury throughout the week. It appears the rookie back is ready to go versus the Miami Dolphins. Neal will take over as the lead back with Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) ruled out for this Week 13 contest. Neal carried the ball seven times for 18 yards, while hauling in five receptions for 43 yards during last week's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The rookie back figures to be the primary option in the backfield with Audric Estime, Evan Hull, and Taysom Hill possibly getting involved as well. Neal should be able to do enough damage to be considered a low-end RB2 for this upcoming matchup.
From RotoBaller
Across three games since taking over as his team's starter in Week 9, New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough has completed 68.1% of his pass attempts for 701 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. On paper, Shough has a favorable matchup in Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins. Through 12 weeks, Miami ranks 27th in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (7.6). However, Miami has been better in recent weeks, allowing just 173 passing yards to the Buffalo Bills and 142 passing yards to the Washington Commanders in their last two games played. Additionally, the Saints will be without top running back Alvin Kamara (ankle) and could be without top wide receiver Chris Olave (back), who is questionable to play with a back injury. The potential lack of reliable pass-catchers could be a major issue for Shough. Even in two-quarterback formats, Shough could be a player for fantasy managers to avoid in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills kicker Matt Prater has been a reliable player through 11 games this season, connecting on 15 of 17 field goal attempts and 32 out of 34 extra-point tries. The 41-year-old may have limited range at this point in his career, as he's attempted just two field goals from 50-plus yards out on the season, making one and missing one. In Week 13, the Bills will travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers. Through 12 weeks, Pittsburgh ranks 19th in the NFL in points per game allowed (23.9). While that points to the Bills being able to move the ball on Sunday, the weather in Pittsburgh may play a factor in the kicking game. The current forecast calls for precipitation and colder weather in western Pennsylvania. Prater profiles as a borderline starting kicker option in Week 13, but fantasy managers should be mindful of potential weather issues and check the forecast before lineups lock on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was quiet in last week's loss to the Chicago Bears, but he should bounce back in Week 13 against the Buffalo Bills. Although the Bills haven't given up a ton of fantasy production to kickers, their defense has been subpar overall, allowing nearly 23 points per game. With this contest taking place in Pittsburgh, Boswell's outlook only improves. The 34-year-old has scored at least nine fantasy points in all five of his matchups at Acrisure Stadium this season and is averaging more than five additional fantasy points per game at home than on the road. The inconsistent play of the Steelers' offense caps his reliability a bit, but not enough to remove him from starting consideration. Boswell profiles as a top-10 option on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little seems like a solid kicking option for fantasy managers in Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans. He has been both a solid real life and fantasy kicker, which should continue against the 1-10 Titans. The Jaguars should score plenty of points, but how Little's day goes will depend on if those points are mostly touchdowns or a mix of field goals as well. Little has shown reliable accuracy and distance, so as long as the opportunities come, he has a chance for a big fantasy day. The Jaguars offense facing the Titans seems like a good combination for a kicker to succeed in fantasy. Managers should feel good about starting Little in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
With Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) sidelined for each of the last two weeks, fellow Bills tight end Dawson Knox has seen a significant increase in snap share. However, Knox has struggled to boost his production, recording just four catches for 40 yards on seven targets over his last two games combined. Kincaid is now questionable to play in Buffalo's Week 13 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Knox should still be expected to get his fair share of playing time even if Kincaid returns. Still, Knox has recorded just 16 receptions for 195 yards and a touchdown on 25 targets across 11 games this season. Regardless of Kincaid's final injury status, Knox does not profile as a starting-caliber fantasy tight end in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Across 11 games played in 2025, Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis has recorded just 44 rushing yards on 22 carries. The 26-year-old appears to have completely faded out of his team's offensive plans in recent weeks, as he's failed to earn a single carry in three out of Buffalo's last four games. With top Bills running backs James Cook and Ty Johnson both healthy and ready to roll for the team's Week 13 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, there's little reason for fantasy managers to think that Davis' role will be significantly changed. Since Week 3, Davis has played fewer than 10 offensive snaps in every game but one. He should remain off the radar of fantasy managers in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) has missed two straight games due to a hamstring injury. The 26-year-old was able to log limited practices on both Thursday and Friday, so he may be on track to make his return in Week 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Across eight games this season, Kincaid has recorded 29 catches for 448 yards and four touchdowns on 36 targets. When healthy, he's been one of Bills quarterback Josh Allen's favorite red zone targets. However, Kincaid's playing time is consistently limited by how the Bills deploy fellow tight ends Dawson Knox and Jackson Hawes. If Kincaid is limited by his hamstring issue, the team could choose to restrict his playing time even further against Pittsburgh. If he's active, Kincaid profiles as a borderline low-end TE1 in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
With his team's wide receiver room in flux, Buffalo Bills wideout Tyrell Shavers had a breakout game in Week 11, recording four catches for 90 yards and a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, Shavers followed that game up with a dud against the Houston Texans in Week 12, recording zero catches on zero targets. Shavers also played fewer snaps against Houston than Bills wide receivers Khalil Shakir, Joshua Palmer (ankle), and Gabe Davis. Palmer is questionable to play in Week 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to an ankle injury, but Buffalo also signed veteran wideout Brandin Cooks. For the season overall, Shavers has played fewer than 50% of his team's offensive snaps in every game but one. Shavers should remain off the radar of fantasy managers in Week 13 against Pittsburgh.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington has been solid this season, and has a decent chance for another solid outing in Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans. He is coming off a five-catch, 71-yard performance against the Arizona Cardinals last week. Washington has done well when given playing time. That playing time may be up in the air, however, with Brian Thomas Jr. returning from injury. Washington has proven he deserves consistent playing time with how well he has produced, showing clear chemistry with Trevor Lawrence. He has also shown his ability in the open field on special teams as a punt returner. His play time is unclear at the moment, but if he does continue to get targets, Washington is an underrated flex option in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson was held without a catch last week and will look to be more involved against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Though Wilson has been quiet more often than not this season, it's worth noting that Mason Rudolph drew the start at quarterback in Week 12. With Aaron Rodgers (wrist) under center this week, Wilson's ceiling rises slightly, as the two have connected for two touchdowns this season. Still, the second-year pro has yet to carve out a reliable role in Pittsburgh's aerial attack, making him difficult to trust, especially in this matchup. Buffalo has held opposing wideouts to the 10th-fewest receptions and receiving yards in 2025. His involvement is worth monitoring, but Wilson can remain on waiver wires in all redraft formats heading into Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange returned from injury with a bang in Week 12, putting up a five-catch, 93 yard performance against the Arizona Cardinals. He was the leading receiver after being out since Week 5. It was an impressive return to an offense in need of a clear number one option, especially with Brian Thomas Jr. out with injury. Thomas Jr. is expected to return this week, but that shouldn't deter fantasy managers from starting Strange with confidence. At a shallow position, even a more difficult matchup and game script not in his favor makes Strange a low-end TE1 this week. The upside is limited, but the floor seems high enough to start Strange in Week 13 against the Titans.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth returned to the end zone last week and will hope for similar success in Week 13 against the Buffalo Bills. Unfortunately, he draws the toughest possible matchup. Buffalo has held opposing tight ends to the fewest fantasy points, receptions, yards, and touchdowns this season. While Freiermuth has been more productive than teammate Jonnu Smith, none of Pittsburgh's tight ends are commanding consistent weekly opportunities. Between Freiermuth, Smith, and Darnell Washington, Freiermuth's red-zone usage suggests he is the most likely to score on Sunday, but fantasy managers should steer clear of this matchup if possible.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer hauled in two of four targets for 21 yards in Week 12's 23-19 loss to the Houston Texans. Palmer has been quiet in his first season in Buffalo, as he's currently averaging his fewest fantasy points per game of his entire five-year career. Palmer is a part of one of the worst receiving units in the NFL and has been unable to stand out as a top option in this offense. Maybe this is the week, as the Bills face the league's worst defense against wide receivers this season in the Pittsburgh Steelers. While Palmer may be a cheap and tempting DFS option in Week 13, fantasy managers should steer clear of starting the veteran receiver this week.
From RotoBaller